Somatoform disorders: symptoms, causes, to drugs

Definition

What are somatoform disorders?

Somatization disorder is a group of psychiatric disorders that can take the form of various physical symptoms that are felt by the patient, but the cause is not found medically.

Somatoform disorders can cause a person to complain of one or more symptoms of the disease, including pain, abdominal pain, neurological problems, respiratory problems, sexual problems, and others. Symptoms of a somatoform disorder may include no known physical cause or other general medical condition.

People with somatization disorder don't fake their symptoms. The pain they experience is real, regardless of whether a physical cause is found or not. In addition, the symptoms of illness that arise due to this disorder can cause severe emotional stress that affects their daily activities.

Many people who have somatoform disorders also experience anxiety disorders. But don't worry. There are many treatments that can relieve symptoms, to help improve quality of life.

How common is this condition?

Somatoform disorders are very common and affect women more often than men. Somatoform disorders can occur in patients of any age. Somatization disorders can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Characteristics and Symptoms

What are the characteristics and symptoms of somatoform disorders?

Common symptoms of somatization disorder are:

Certain sensations, such as pain or shortness of breath, or general symptoms such as fatigue or weakness
Usually, this condition is not related to a medical cause, or to a medical condition, such as cancer or heart disease, but is more significant than expected.
One or more symptoms, or a variety of symptoms may occur
Symptoms are mild, moderate or severe depending on your condition

Excessive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can include:

Have excessive anxiety about the possibility of illness
Take normal body responses as a sign of serious physical illness
Fear of the severity of medical symptoms, although there is no supporting evidence
Thinks that a physical response is reasonable will threaten, harm, or cause trouble
Feeling that medical evaluation and treatment are not enough
Fear that physical activity will damage your body
Repeatedly check for abnormalities in your body
Frequent medical visits but do not relieve anxiety or even make it worse
Unresponsive to medical treatment or overly sensitive to the side effects of medication
Have a more severe than usual disorder associated with a medical condition.

The initial and continued symptoms of the complaints experienced are closely related to unpleasant life events or conflicts in the patient's life.

People with somatoform disorders usually show attention-seeking (histrionic) behavior, mainly because the patient is dissatisfied and fails to persuade doctors to accept the thought that the complaint being experienced is a physical illness and requires further examination.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes somatoform disorders?

Several things that cause somatization disorder in a person include:

Genetic and biological factors, such as increased sensitivity to pain
Family, genetic or environmental influences, or both
Negative traits, which can affect how you perceive body ailments and symptoms
Lowering awareness of problem processor emotions, causing physical symptoms to be the main focus compared to emotional issues
Learned behavior. For example, "enjoying" the attention or other benefits of having a certain illness; or “sick behavior” in response to symptoms, or avoiding excessive activity, which can increase the level of disability.

Triggers

What puts me more at risk for somatoform disorders?

There are many triggers that put you at a higher risk of developing somatization disorder, including:

Have anxiety or depression
Have a medical condition or are recovering
You are at risk for medical conditions, such as having a strong family history of an illness
Experiencing stressful, traumatic, or violent events
Have experienced trauma, such as sexual violence against children
Has a low level of education and socio-economic status

Diagnosis and Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is this condition diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose this disease through several physical examinations and tests. The physical exam and tests your doctor recommends include:

Psychological evaluation to talk about symptoms, stressful situations, family history, worries, relationship problems and other issues affecting your life
Fill out a psychological assessment or questionnaire
Ask about the use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances

Criteria for diagnosis

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) by the American Psychiatric Association, here are some important diagnoses to watch out for:

You have one or more somatic symptoms that are making it difficult or causing problems in your daily life
You have excessive and persistent thoughts about the severity of symptoms, or about health and symptoms, or spend too much time and effort on symptoms and health concerns
You continue to have worrisome symptoms, usually for more than 6 months, although symptoms can vary

How to treat somatoform disorders?

The first step in stopping somatization disorder is to accept that the symptoms that arise come from the mind. With an accepting attitude, it will be easier for you to cope with the symptoms you suffer. Then, gradually break out of the "doctor shopping" habit. Check your symptoms consistently with one doctor and build trust in that doctor.

You should also control the level of stress that can trigger these symptoms to come your way. You do this by doing a lot of physical activity, hobbies, sports, or recreation with your family.

In addition, sports that combine physical and mental exercises such as yoga, can be tried as a new experience. Relaxation and breathing can also help relieve symptoms.

The complaints you experience come from your mind, so you have to be able to control them if they start to come. Increase communication with family and friends without helping to forget these symptoms. Joining a new community can also gradually get rid of the symptoms you have been experiencing.

If possible, you can ask a trusted doctor to join a certain program. One program for sufferers of this disorder is Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). This therapy is one of the effective treatments for managing somatoform disorders in the long term.

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, the following is an explanation of the treatment options for somatoform disorders:

Psychotherapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you:

Check and adjust beliefs and expectations regarding physical symptoms
Learn how to reduce stress
Learn how to deal with physical symptoms
Reducing the focus on symptoms that appear
Try not to avoid situations and activities because of the normal body responses that may arise
Improve self-function at home, work, in relationships and social situations
Acknowledge depression and other mental health disorders

Treatment

Antidepressant drugs can reduce the symptoms associated with depression and pain that often accompany somatic symptom disorders.

Prevention

What can I do at home to treat somatoform disorders?

Here are some lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with somatization disorder:

Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs
Join the activity. Keep yourself busy with work, social and family activities
Be physically active
Practice stress management and relaxation techniques
Work with your doctor to schedule regular visits to discuss your concerns and build a trusting relationship.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.